Although Unlimited SaGa has acquired a reputation as being a rather poor game in one of Square Enix's less-revered franchises, the game shouldn't be relegated to the trash heap without at least being tried. Unlimited SaGa contains numerous design choices that are rather unique in the RPG genre, and how much fun the player has will be very dependent on how accepting they are of the title's unusual structure. Unlimited SaGa has a rather steep learning curve, but those that put forth the effort may indeed find that the game is actually a worthwhile title. Like most every other SaGa title, Unlimted SaGa contains seven unique plotlines, each one focusing on a different character. The ultimate goal of each character, along with what paths they'll take, are as diverse as their personalities. The game's progression follows a very simple structre. When in a town, the player may select from a number of adventures; some of them are quest-specific and relevant to plot progression, while others are shared by all seven characters, available as side-quests to earn gold, items, and character growth. Note that character growth, in this case, does not mean experience points. When an adventure is completed, each party member with receive an increase in hit points (if there was combat) and an opportunity to receive new growth panels for their individual character grids. Different types of panels give the characters access to abilities that are useful in and out of combat. Some panels make it easier for characters to learn new weapon skills, while others may allow characters to disarm traps or unlock doors. Proper management of the growth panels is one of the keys to success in this game. In terms of graphics, Unlimited SaGa will never be confused with Final Fantasy X. Outside of combat, the characters are depicted with static portraits with dialogue appearing in speech bubbles. Navigating through towns (also represented with static portraits) is done by moving a cursor from location to location on the screen, and from there, it's a matter of menu selections. However, all of this artwork is very beautifully rendered. In battle, characters are animated in two dimensions with a fair amount of detail, and the overall effect that's achieved is pleasing to the eye. Travel during adventures, and when going from town to town, is depicted through a sort of board game-like interface. The party is represented by a pewter figuring of the leader, and the player moves along the field one space at a time on a turn-by-turn basis. Along with enemy encounters, treasure chests, doors and traps may be found, and if characters have the proper skills, such items and obstacles can be unlocked, disarmed, or otherwise worked around. In another nod to board games, success is dependent on a timed spin of a roulette-style wheel. A similar roulette-wheel interface is used in combat. When a player selects an action to attack the enemy, a wheel will appear, with different colored spaces representing different strengths of attacks. Attacks can also be chained together for combos, so for the best results, the player needs to hit the strongest attacks for each character on a series of wheels. Does that sound complex enough? Unlimited SaGa's biggest drawback is its very steep learning curve. There's no in-game tutorial, and so everything needs to be learned through reading the instruction manual. While informative, the manual could easily go into much more detail, leaving the player to learn the game by playing it, which can be a rather brutal experience at times. One of Unlimited SaGa's greatest strengths, however, comes from the game's sound design. Because the vast majority of the game is based on static images, the importance of sound is increased, and it pays off through the use of ambient sound effects that depict the various locations the player will visit throughout the game. The voice acting in the game is sparse, but what acting there is is well done, for the most part, and the game's soundtrack is excellent, with a variety of songs that strengthen the game's atmosphere. In summary, Unlimited SaGa isn't a game for everyone. Certain design choices and the lack of an in-game tutorial will undoubtedly turn off some people, but those that are willing and able to enjoy the game for what it is should find it a rewarding experience.
Other Helpful Reviews for Unlimited Saga (Collector's Edition)
Unlimited Saga was tempting to buy with the prologue to FFX2 included with it, but basically its a waste of money. Theres no real structure to the game and you arent even sure what it is your doing half the time. There ... Read Full Review
I have no idea what SQUARE SOFT was thinking when they made this game. I was first in love with "SAGA FRONTIER" when it was released on PSX, then SAGA FRONTIER 2 was released and I was impressed with that one. ... Read Full Review
